Live, Terry/Ohio, India to Signapore, Silver Moon Rising, Pix’s!

[TLCOhio]

For staying overnight in Agra at Oberoi Amarvilas, it was beyond just being wonderful and great.  Need evidence?  See proof below.  The front grounds are ultra impressive as you enter and the lobby lounge is designed around a glorious view of the Taj Mahal.  

 

Then up to our room?  This might be the most spectacular hotel where we have ever stayed.  What a view from the balcony?  What could be better, especially with the wonderful sunny, clear weather both days.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 74,671 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

 

Here are a couple samples for the welcoming as we entered the Oberoi Amarvilas and the style/class of its facilities, grounds and staff.:

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The Oberoi Amarvilas lobby where we checked in?  Looking good?:

 

Then from our balcony room at the Oberoi Amarvilas, what could be better?  Like the lighting of this outdoor area as the evening commences?:

 

 

 

Here are some interior examples from the Oberoi Amarvilas.  Then, some more of the friendly, helpful staff.  And, then breakfast visuals the next morning, including my Eggs Benedict.  Just like at home every day?:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Oberoi website, here are some of the key summary points as to this city and its highly-rated hotel: "The capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri; all of which are legacies from Mughal times.  Located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas is inspired by Mughal palace designs; with fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools and pavilions."

 

From their hotel website, they also note about their neighbor: "The Taj Mahal is often described as 'poetry in marble'. "

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 74,671 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

 

At the Oberoi Amarvilas as the sun was setting and evening approaching, we had a super pleasant surprise.  Outside there was a music and dancing performance presented in their spectacular outdoor/pool area.  Here is a still picture with three dancing performers.:

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Here is a 29-second video sampling of the music and dancing that we observed from the balcony of our room at the Oberoi Agra hotel.:

 

[Kauaijim]

Terry agree on the Oberoi in Agra . Where else can you lie in bed and look at the Tag over your feet!  We just booked the guide you used in Tokyo. Thank you for the name 

[TLCOhio]

13 hours ago, Kauaijim said:

Terry agree on the Oberoi in Agra . Where else can you lie in bed and look at the Tag over your feet!  We just booked the guide you used in Tokyo. Thank you for the name 

 

Appreciate this follow-up from our Chicago neighbor.  Glad these posts have been of interest and help.  As mentioned earlier, don't be shy with any comments, questions, posting of added information, etc.  Always helps to share and know what is of value and interest.  Love the sharing!!

 

Below are some visuals as we were traveling from Delhi to Agra. This offers another sampling of India and makes the point that there is lots of agriculture in this country.  Not all of India is high-density, urban areas.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 64,147 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

As we drove south to Agra, here was a typical view.  Agriculture is significant as in a country with 1.4 billion people, food must be produced.  Our guide indicates that India has improved significantly in its production and does well in being able to fed its vast population.:

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Along this expressway going to Agra, there were a number of interesting sights as goods and people are moved around in this nation.:

 

 

Within Agra, here are a couple of views as we traveled.  Many tuk-tuk's, motorcycles, etc., used to move goods and people.:

 

 

When ordering and/or selecting food in India, you might see an item marked as "boneless".  That can be good as many times the lamb, chicken, fish, etc., might have bones needing to be "navigated" and/or picked out.  Buyer beware as to what you want or seek to avoid!:

 

At the place where we stopped for a mid-trip break, this sign was cute and fun.:

[TLCOhio]

Appreciate these nice ratings/comments from Irvington, Lirio, etc.   Keep it coming, plus any questions or info needs. 

 

As added background for the Taj Mahal, this ivory-white marble mausoleum is on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra.  Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (1628–1658) to be the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the center of a 42-acre complex.  It includes a mosque and a guest house, formal gardens, a crenellated wall, etc.  Construction of the mausoleum was mostly completed in 1643, but work continued on other aspects of the project for another 10 years.

 

Based on the cost at that time, it would equal a contruction budget today of $498 million, per Wikipedia. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans.  The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts around 5 million visitors a year.  Taj Mahal is believed to be derived from the Persian and Arabian words meaning "crown" and "palace".

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,939 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here are a couple of different views of the Taj Mahal than previously posted.  Third shows the two of us here and a sampling of the massive numbers visiting on this day.  Big, BIG crowds, mostly from India, not international.:

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These five visuals better show the DETAILS for how intricate are the various design elements on and at the Taj Mahal.  It is more than just the dome!!  The craftsmen of those days were highly skilled, even without the sophisticated tools and techniques of today.  Plus, beautiful, too!!  Right?:

 

 

 

 

 

The minarets, each more than 130 feet tall, display the designer's desire for symmetry. They are working minarets, a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic faithful to prayer.  Each minaret is divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower.:

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section coming this weekend, they have this headline: “36 Hours Mumbai” with these highlights: “Mumbai appears as much a dream as a city. Sprinkled with the stardust of Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry that bases itself here, and studded with billionaires, India’s hyperkinetic metropolis, known as Bombay until 1995, feels like a place where anything is possible. Amid tight pandemic lockdowns, Mumbai turned into one of the world’s great construction sites, trying to remake itself with new towers, subway lines and bridges. Take in the dizzying juxtapositions — while discovering experimental performances in former textile mills and serene, ancient caves a short drive from the urban chaos — in a city guaranteed to look different again the next time you visit.”

 

Many different options are mentioned for what to see, where to eat, hotels, shopping, etc.  One location that we visited was mentioned with these specifics: "Mani Bhavan, the former home of Mohandas K. Gandhi, is now a museum that preserves details of his spartan life, underscoring his emphasis on self-reliance.  Spinning wheels and floor seating in his preserved, spartan bedroom provide a window to his belief that the route to Indian independence could come only through discipline and self-reliance."  

 

Also cited where we stayed for three days was: "The Taj Mahal Palace, an ornate hotel open since 1903, looks over the Arabian Sea and the historic Gateway of India arch. A memorial in the lobby commemorates the terror attack at the hotel in 2008."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/28/travel/things-to-do-mumbai.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 55,462 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[highplanesdrifters]

Late to the party. Just catching up. Terry your trip looks fantastic. Thanks for taking us along and sharing all the stunning visuals and information. 

[TLCOhio]

On 4/2/2024 at 9:00 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

Late to the party. Just catching up. Terry your trip looks fantastic. Thanks for taking us along and sharing all the stunning visuals and information. 

 

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up from our experienced travel friend.  Keep it coming with any and all posts, questions, shared experiences in this areas, etc.    

 

Sorry for my distractions and delays to be finishing up the visuals and details from our exploring of India's famed and amazing "Golden Triangle" prior to Mumbai and boarding the Silver Moon.  

 

Below are some visuals of the Red Fort near Agra and the travels from the Taj Mahal to colorful Jaipur.  

 

One key sight was the Agra Red Fort where Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned. It was later renovated by the Mughal emperor Akbar from 1565 and the present-day structure was completed in 1573. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi, per Wikipedia. In 1983, the Agra fort was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance during the Mughal Dynasty.  It is about 1.6 miles northwest of more famous Taj Mahal. This fort can be more accurately described as a walled city.  It is built of red sandstone, helping to give this fortress its name and as used in many other locations in these parts of India.

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 55,636 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

Here are a couple of visual samples for the scale and design details of Agra's Red Fort.  Big and impressive?:

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In departing Agra, below is a visual of the many monkeys climbing up on the fence at a military location at the edge of this historic city.  Second is example as to how motorcycles are creatively used to transport even large items such as natural gas containers.:

 

 

Along this routing exiting Agra there are colorful street markets, many locals using their bicycles for transportation and also a random, protected cow along a roadway.:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

On the way to Jaipur, we toured Jodha Bai Mahal, the largest palace in Fatehpur Sikri commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 for his favored queen.   This Mahal is the largest complex of the zenana (palace for women belonging to the royal household).  It features a fusion of Hindu and Persian architecture made with red sandstone.  

 

Akbar moved his capital from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri in honor of the prayers of Sheikh Salim Chisti.  Those blessings were sought and Akbar believed that this led to the long-sought birth of a male heir for his empire's future. 

 

As added background, Akbar (1542-1605) was the third Mughal emperor, reigning from 1556 to 1605. Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, under a regent who helped the young emperor expand and consolidate Mughal lands and control over a wider portion of the Indian subcontinent.  And Akbar, like other Mughal rulers, were great builders who left many structures and treasures for future generations to explore and experience.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 53,728 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

At Jodha Bai Maha in Fatehpur Sikri, here is a sampling of the many, various structures and design details at this palace with a large area used by the various women connected to this royal family.  Look interesting and spectacular?  Great, amazing crafting?:

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This is an example from one of the interior garden areas at this royal palace.:

 

These sandstone structures do not always hold up over hundreds of years to the weather and winds.  Here was part of the craftsmen on-site preparing replacement pieces.  Second is an interior view for one of the structures, showing my wife and our guide examining its details.:

 

 

In this area, here is the flag of India, plus one of the nearby, historic gates/walls.:

 

 

Edited April 9 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

In traveling from Agra to Jaipur, we stopped for lunch at a dining location associated with the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat.  It was constructed in 1890 by the Gaekwad family, a prominent Maratha family, who ruled the Baroda State. Large interesting buildings there.  They receive many tour groups there with a large buffet.  Decent food, OK, but nothing that special.  

 

Below are some visual samples from this stop. 

 

Per Wikipedia, this is reputed to have been the largest private dwelling built until that time, and four times the size of Buckingham Palace. At the time of construction, it boasted the most modern amenities such as elevators and the interior is reminiscent of a large European country house.  When India got its independence in 1947, many of the old regional rulers with money/property lost out.  BUT, for some, they had enough skill/power/position to hang on and adjust to gain revenue from tourism and other businesses.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 34,813 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

At the dining location associated with Lakshmi Vilas Palace, here are some visual samples.  This includes one of its exterior, the music/dancing folks outside as we entered, an interior visual and one from the gardens outside.:

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Here is a short video sampling of the music and setting at this newer, but historic India location.:

Here are a couple more "cattle" visuals.  Yes, at limited times, you see them used for transportation. Or, just "hanging out" and/or roaming.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Next, we visited Chand Baori, a step well in the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan.  Extending approximately 100 feet into the ground, it is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. Its construction is dated back to the 8th-9th century. It has 3500 steps cascading 13 stories deep into a large tank at the bottom and has been constructed in an upside-down pyramid-style.  Chand Baori is considered one of the oldest surviving step wells in the country.

 

Also, an upper palace building was added to the site, viewed from the tabulated arches used by the Chauhan rulers.  Part of that structure is shown in the first picture below.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 33,037 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Here is a sampling from Chand Baori, a step well in the charming village of Abhaneri.  Many interesting carved items are located at this historic site.:

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[TLCOhio]

To share more from our visit to the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan,  it has the ruins of an ancient city as previously shown.  This charming village is situated along the Jaipur-Agra Highway.

 

We had a chance to meet and interact with several craftspeople, learn about their production means, see various finished items, etc.  

 

Hoping this weekend to complete final review of the many, many visuals taken during our "Golden Triangle" exploring and being able to get them posted here. Sorry for my delays and distractions (including to get our April 15 taxes done and filed). Don't be shy with any and all questions, comments, info needs, etc.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,620 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

In Abhaneri, here are two visuals of a craftsman using fire and his techniques to create a wide variety of colorful bracelets.  Yes, my wife bought a few to take home as gifts.:

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These visuals show how my wife got to see "up close and personal" how weaving is done in villages in India.  In the third picture, it shows the woven item we bought and that is now gracing a glass table in our family room.  My wife liked how these colors would fit in that room for us at home.  Plus, remember our exploring in fascinating India.:

 

 

 

Here was a craftsman doing his pottery "magic".:

 

Here is our skilled guide as we visited inside the home of the family who did the weaving crafts.  Second is our guide with a friend of hers in this charming India village.  Getting a good sampling for life in large cities and small villages was important to learn more about life in India.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below is more from in and around this interesting village in India as we moved from Agra to Jaipur. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 21,244 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

There was a mix of history, crafts and even agriculture in this small village.  Like goats?  Here are some visuals to summarize a group of them being herded and moved.  Plus, an up-close view of a cute goat face only a mother would love.:

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Here are a couple more samples for the various crafts and items for sale in this village with its historic sites.:

 

 

In traveling along this route, we saw a wide variety of motorcycles, vehicles, etc., that was used to the "max" to carry goods, people, etc.:

 

 

 

Nearby to this village, there were a large number of "shops" along the roadways that specialized in carved stone and design pieces to be used architecturally.  Interesting sights!!:

[TLCOhio]

Now, we move to the "Main Event" as one of the top, best "stars" during our visit to India.  It is JAIPUR!!

 

Some of the pre-cruise options from Silversea and other tour firms did not offer a chance to see Jaipur.  Or, they did this amazing city and location in too short of a time frame and/or with logistics that were not very appealing.  

 

Why is Jaipur so much of a must-see?  Many of my visuals will verify its attraction, history and charm, plus below is more background and details.  

 

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan where this Royal family still has a huge presence and position that uniquely continued after India gained freedom and independence from British rule in 1947.  Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” for its walled, pink-hued cluster of buildings.  Jaipur is a microcosm of India’s color and bustle with imaginative architecture.  Plus, an intermingling of their historic past and the 21st Century current world.  Jaipur has a population of 4.5 million, the tenth largest city in India. Jaipur is also called the "Paris of India".  The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar.

 

Jaipur was the setting for the film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel.  This movie followed the adventures of a group of senior European ex-pats who retire to Jaipur and in the process discover their true selves.  Located 167 miles from New Delhi. Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

 

Here are four quick samples for the architecture and style of Jaipur with its colorful gates and unique building designs.  Like the pink gates?  Jaipur is "feast" to stimulate the eye and brain.  AND, to warm the heart for photographers like me.  Lots to soak up and enjoy!!:

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For our two nights in Jaipur, we stayed at the Royal Heritage Haveli.  Now privately operated, it was a former hunting lodge of the ruling family on the edge of the then existing town.  Below is its pool and a couple samples for its colorful, flowering grounds.  Compared to the Oberoi and Taj hotels, this gave us another sampling for the wide variety of upscale and unique hotel options in India.:

 

 

 

Edited April 20 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

One of the top attractions to visit in the Jaipur area is Amber Fort or Amer Fort located in a small town 6.8 miles from Jaipur.  Situated high on a hill, its setting and views are dramatic and very interesting.  It is not just sitting there on a flat, boring site.  There are large ramparts and a series of gates and cobbled paths.  

 

The fort overlooks Maota Lake, the main source of water for the Amer Palace. Some of its buildings have the influence of Mughal architecture.  It is constructed of red sandstone and marble, featuring a palace laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard.  Plus, various walls, towers and defensive position being up above the palace to defend this royal location.  

 

More than 1.8 million visitors tour annually and in 2013, Amer Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Per Wikipedia, the Amber Fort was originally built by Raja Man Singh. Jai Singh I expanded it in the early 1600's.  Construction started in 1592. Improvements and additions were made by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727.  Lots of history here!!

 

As added background for the Royal Heritage Haveli where we stayed in Jaipur, it is a converted 18th-century Rajasthani hunting lodge. The family-run hotel has the feel of a personal estate, with croquet on the lawns, spa, dining and drinks on an elevated level overlooking the grounds and buildings.  It is decorated in the Indo-Mughal style with bright frescoes, sweeping archways and intricate tile.  It was built in the 1700's by His Highness Madho Singh Ji of Jaipur, After 250 years as a Royal retreat, it opened its doors as a boutique hotel.  
Now owned by the Maharaj Jai Singh of Jaipur, it is is run by his niece and her husband. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

 

As we approached the Amber or Amer Palace/Fort, here is one of the first views with the lake at the front/lower level.  Next is a closer visual for a portion of this sprawling palace/fort, including showing elephants taking visitors up to the higher levels.  The final two visuals show these elephants closer.  There is serious debate as to the pro/con factors for using elephants in this type of tourism activity.  We did not ride the elephants.  In addition to the ethical questions for using elephants in this way, I was warned that riding an elephants can be very rough and bumpy.  True or not?:

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Here is an interesting and unique decorative gate seen near this palace/fort site.:

 

Here is an example for the various decorative goods displayed and solid near this historic site.  Second is a local musician seen as we climbed up to the main parts of the palace areas.  Lots of "local color" and artistic style!:

 

 

Here are only two of the many visuals showing various walls, towers and fortification surrounding this Amber Palace near Jaipur.  They were serious about protecting the ruling families here in India.:

 

[TLCOhio]

At the Amber/Amer Palace/Fort, the primary courtyard, Jaleb Chowk. is where the ruler's soldiers assembled and paraded.  Up higher are various interior buildings for the royals, including one with walls covered in intricate mirror work using glass imported from Belgium.  See a visual below featuring my wife in that unique setting. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with over 20,000 views with much info for . . . .

Barbados:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276

 

Here is a view of the large, initial, lower Amer Palace courtyard where soldiers would parade.  In the background are the impressive mountains in the distance with fortifications at the top of these high location.:

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Here is a visual of the staircase from the Jaleb Chowk courtyard going up to the higher-level areas of the palace.:

 

At the higher palace level, here is one of the highly-decorated palace buildings.:

 

Here are three different visuals of the many and unique interior wall designs and decorations inside of these palace rooms.:

 

 

 

From a higher level of the palace, here is a view down to the lake and a garden area at its lowest level.:

 

This is a closer view of the elephants taking visitor up to the main level of this Amer Palace.:

[TLCOhio]

The Amer/Amber Fort/Palace has so much that is unique and fascinating.  No wonder it attracts such large crowds and significant visitor interest.  Below is more visual evidence/sampling to reflect the beauty and history there.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Lisbon vs. Porto?  Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with nearly 30,000 views at:  

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

 

Here are several more visuals to reflect the various artistic and design details that can be experienced at this historic site outside of Jaipur where the ruling families were housed and from which they controlled these territories in this portion of India.:

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At the higher levels of this sprawling palace complex, they had a "women's gallery" where the females that were a part of the ruling families could observe (at a "safe" distance) the various activities at the levels below.  In these times, women from these families were not to be seen and involved.  These two visuals below show an Indian resident using this vantage/observation point above the lower levels of this palace.  Notice the artistic design to protect their identities from being seen by those below?  Then in the second visual, she turns and gives me a nice, friendly smile!  Like?:

 

 

Here is the view from this "women's gallery" down to the lower levels at the Amber/Amer Palace.:

[TLCOhio]

Sorry, still not done sharing more for the Amer or Amber Fort.  It is believed to have first been established in 967 AD, when Raja Alan Singh, a ruler of the Chanda clan of Meenas, settled here. Later in 1592, Raja Man Singh, a ruler of the Kachwaha Rajputs, built upon the remains of the earlier structures.  This became the grand residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. Over the next 150 years, the fort and palaces were further expanded, with Rajputana successors such as Sawai Jai Singh adding many elements of architecture to it.

 

More to come!!  You are duly warned and prepared. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai?  Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 20,000 views at: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

 

Here is more for the architecture, style and design at the Amer/Amber Palace.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

Nearby to the Amer Palace, here are couple examples for the colorful entertainers and also a nearby religious site observed as we traveled.:

 

 

To continue the questions/concerns for how these elephants are treated and respected at Amer Palace, this a closer look at the decorations placed on this animal.  Colorful, but excessive?  Or, not?:

 

As exiting Amer, here were camels used to pull carts used in transportation.:

 

Also during our Amer exiting, here is an interesting combination as a motorcycle rider waves to us with a decorated elephant in the background.:

[TLCOhio]

Using my second camera body and the wider-angle lens, below are some added visual samples from Amer/Amber Palace outside of Jaipur. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are two popular posts/links with thousands of views with much info for . . . . Grenada   

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179927-grenada-pixs-fun-experiences-jan2015/page/2/#comment-66823149

Or, Aruba:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2178325-aruba-pixs-fun-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-66677721

 

This is an overall view for one of the higher-level courtyards at the Amer/Amber Palace.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

At this highly-decorated building in this complex, here is another angle/view, plus the second visual showing a wedding couple enjoying the beautiful day with a twirling, dance picture.:

 

 

Here, as I recall, is part of the second courtyard, Diwan-E-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) where the ruler held sessions to hear the public's requests, interests and needs.:

 

 

Yes, there were nice gardens as a part of the palace for the royals to have added areas for relaxing and enjoying.  Second is another view from the upper palace down to the lake and surrounding hills/mountains.  You will notice some of the elephants returning down the hillside.:

 

[DavyWavey70]

19 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Great pictures, Terry. 

 

I must say that I really despise the abuse of animals such as happens at the Amer Palace. We see it also with donkeys in Santorini, horses in Hydra and so forth. 

 

Please be aware, everyone, that these animals are often treated terribly. 

 

If you think it's fun to add to the suffering of these sentient beasts by riding them, then shame on you. It's a despicable abuse that will only end when we tourists stop using them. 

 

And as for "game hunting"? Don't get me started...

Just my twopenneth, I’m in complete agreement TTS. Whilst in Jaipur I did enjoy an Elephant experience but I did a huge amount of research beforehand. We drove past many places in the “Elephant Village” in Jaipur past many sad elephants “parked up” with heir saddles on and ready to transport the tourists. Instead I Spent an afternoon with Muskan (Hindi for smile). I Got to feed her, did some body painting which she seemed to love, gave her a drink and a wash and then went around the reserve for a walk. An afternoon I’ll never forget but I believe my conscience is clear.

[highplanesdrifters]

Thanks Terry for sharing.  Keep em coming.

[TLCOhio]

 

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Thanks Terry for sharing.  Keep em coming.

 

Appreciate this above kind comment.  And, encouragement for more!!  BUT, be careful what you wish for and seek.  Have more to share.  Hopefully, it continues to be interesting and informative.  

 

After exploring all over the impressive royal palace/fort, we headed to visit to the elephant rescue camp at Dera Amer.  Their website is:  www.deraamer.com  We had lunch here and did an interaction with rescued elephant, plus walking around the nearby wilderness areas, seeing other creatures, etc.  

 

Yes, the two elephants are treated very well here in their "retirement".  Not saddles places on them.  No riding by tourists.  It is mainly one caretaker showing lots of love and personal "connection" with the main elephants we fed, got to know, etc.  Lovely, deeply personal experience that was so wonderful.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 258,970 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

 

This one elephant has a "keeper" and friend who interacted daily.  He share background on this elephant, its life, the differences for African versus Asian elephants.  Plus, being able to get "up close and personal" with the magnificent creature.  Then in his bare feet, he went up to the top and be able to take the elephant on a walk through the nearby wilderness areas.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

 

 

Both my wife and I fed this elephant bananas.  Later, my wife gave the elephant a "treat" of sugar cane.:

 

 

Another staff member showed us how the turban is wrapped around the head.:

 

 

Here was the peacock strutting around during lunch at this location.:

 

 

 

Here was the cute camel at this location.:

[highplanesdrifters]

4 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Appreciate this above kind comment.  And, encouragement for more!!  BUT, be careful what you wish for and seek.  Have more to share.  Hopefully, it continues to be interesting and informative.

 

I'm going to go out on a limb a say I speak for all the lurkers and future lurkers.  Keep em coming! 😃

 

Elephant experience looks amazing.

[DavyWavey70]

6 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

 

I'm going to go out on a limb a say I speak for all the lurkers and future lurkers.  Keep em coming! 😃

 

Elephant experience looks amazing.

But please do as much research as you can. There are many elephant  experiences on offer and if any of them offer an elephant ride then please move on. Please look for something kinder. I’ve had a relationship with these magnificent creatures, over many decades now and it breaks my heart seeing that they are still now the ultimate instagram uber. 

[highplanesdrifters]

11 hours ago, DavyWavey70 said:

But please do as much research as you can. There are many elephant  experiences on offer and if any of them offer an elephant ride then please move on. Please look for something kinder. I’ve had a relationship with these magnificent creatures, over many decades now and it breaks my heart seeing that they are still now the ultimate instagram uber. 

 

I wholeheartedly agree!  On a recent stop in Namibia we saw dozens of camels saddled and lined up for rides in the desert. Not nearly as majestic as elephants, but same concept.  No thanks.